In short
Use photogrammetry for most site mapping: it builds maps and 3D models from overlapping photos and is cost-effective for open ground, progress mapping, and stockpiles. Use LiDAR when you need bare-earth terrain under trees or vegetation, where laser pulses reach the ground that photos can't see. Many sites only need photogrammetry.
How each one works
Photogrammetry takes hundreds of overlapping photos and reconstructs the surface from them, the way two eyes judge depth. It captures color and detail beautifully and is efficient over open ground.
LiDAR fires laser pulses at the ground and times the return. Crucially, some of those pulses slip through gaps in vegetation and hit bare earth, so LiDAR can model the ground under tree cover that a camera simply can't see through.
Where each one wins
For open construction sites, stockpiles, roofs, progress mapping, and visual documentation, photogrammetry is usually the right and more economical choice.
For vegetated or wooded sites, corridor and linear projects through brush, and anywhere you specifically need bare-earth terrain under canopy, LiDAR earns its higher cost. A good provider recommends the cheaper tool when it does the job, not the more expensive one by default.
| Criterion | Photogrammetry | LiDAR |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open ground, progress, stockpiles, roofs | Bare earth under trees, corridors |
| Sees through vegetation | No | Yes (partial returns reach ground) |
| Color imagery | Yes, true-color detail | No (intensity only; often paired with photos) |
| Relative cost | Lower | Higher |
| Typical accuracy | 2–5 cm with ground control | Comparable, plus ground under canopy |
Frequently asked
Is LiDAR always more accurate than photogrammetry?
Not necessarily. On open ground with proper control, photogrammetry reaches similar accuracy at lower cost. LiDAR's real advantage is capturing bare-earth terrain under vegetation, which photogrammetry physically cannot do.
Can you use both on one project?
Yes, and sometimes that's the right answer: LiDAR for the wooded terrain, photogrammetry for the open areas and color imagery. We recommend the combination only when the site actually calls for it.
Which is cheaper?
Photogrammetry is generally less expensive and is the right tool for most open-site mapping. LiDAR costs more and is worth it when you need ground under tree cover.
Still not sure what you need?
Tell us about your site and we'll point you to the right approach, then send a fixed quote.